Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Right after the Rolls Royce departed, Alyssa's expression hardened as she punched Jasper in the chest.

"Lyse, be gentle. I don't want you to hurt yourself," Jasper cautioned her, his voice trembling from her strength.

Sean, who was in the driver's seat, stole a glance at them from the rearview mirror and stifled a laugh.

"Jasper, I have a question for you." She poked his chest and asked angrily, "Did you know about the arranged marriage between Lauren and the Hodgson son?"

His eyes wavered. Grasping her hand, he wondered, "Lyse, how did you hear about it?"

"How could you ask that question? I think half of the city has heard about it by now!" Alyssa then proceeded to relay Silas' update to Jasper.

"Damn it!" Enraged, he punched the car window. "By publicly announcing the news, the Hodgson family is pressuring Javier into finalizing the marriage."

"They're being delusional. What era are we in now? They can't possibly force Lauren to marry Freddy!" Clenching her jaw, she said, "If Lauren refuses to marry, not even the president can make her!"

"But Lauren agreed to the marriage."

"What? But why?" Alyssa and Sean gasped in unison.

"Lauren said that being with Landon was too burdensome."

"That's a

attract trouble for Landon and Angie if she kept dating him. She refused to

Looking skeptical, Alyssa surmised, "Has Mr. Javier pressured her? What did

got into a fight with Javier in front of Lauren over the arranged marriage

time, it was Alyssa's turn to punch the car window. Fortunately, the solid build of the Rolls Royce was

breathe from the heartache. She lamented,

must be worried that Mr. Javier would hold a grudge against you and hit back at you in

she was defenseless and vulnerable, she couldn't support you in any way other than to risk her happiness. That

pain, shook his head. "We can't

that good-for-nothing Freddy Hodgson! I'd rather keep a nice young lady

He wondered, "Lyse, do you think Landon stands a chance to get

to grasp and make sense of." Resting in Jasper's arms, Alyssa sighed softly. "Lauren and Landon might encounter more obstacles than us. Let's settle the immediate issue before

emailed to the inboxes of all company employees. The notice stated that Preston

with the Harper Group except when it came to receiving his annual company stock

release his frustration at The Millennium,

tasted like wet cardboard. He accused Cornelius of being a wolf in sheep's clothing who'd sell out anyone to protect his interest. His friends had no choice but to comfort him, assuring him

it was only a matter of time before Preston made his return to

Amber Altman at The Millennium. Rumors had it that she was fucking gorgeous. Get her here to drink with me!" Preston, completely smashed, ordered